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Defshep
09-06-2006, 02:52 PM
Woohoo! Finally got my Sonys replaced with my new (well, sorta new) Klipsch Cinema 6 speakers. Got seven of 'em individually open-box for a steal awile back. Any suggestions on which flicks I should test drive 'em with? I feel like I finally got some real sound now!

Woochifer
09-06-2006, 03:21 PM
Congrats!

Master and Commander is probably the best multichannel reference DVD out there right now. Great dynamic range and bass extension, along with some superlative mixing with the surround effect. With timbre matched speakers and proper alignment (see diagram below, except ignore the sub location -- you should place the sub wherever the bass sounds most even), you will be rewarded with some of the most immersive 360 degree imaging you'll ever hear -- not just with the big action scenes, but with the quiet ambient sounds as well.

I was also very impressed with The Chronicles of Narnia for its surround imaging, but it doesn't pack quite as much dynamic punch as other action pics out there. If you're looking for a bassfest that will test the physical limits of your subwoofer, then look no further than the DTS version of The Haunting.

http://www.axiomaudio.com/global/images/diagrams/dolby_digital_pro_logic2.jpg

http://www.axiomaudio.com/archives/images/dolby_pro_logic2x.jpg

I would also highly recommend Pat Metheny Group's Speaking of Now Live DVD. One of the best recorded and mixed multichannel concert soundtracks I've ever heard. It was purposely mixed as a 4.1 soundtrack (with the center channel off) to create a more spacious sound, and has a great crowd perspective.

GMichael
09-06-2006, 03:25 PM
How about Twister?

Defshep
09-06-2006, 03:40 PM
Got Master and Commander on my list. Don't own Twister, and I don't have an excuse! Was thinking about Top Gun, Pirates of the Caribbean, T2, Apocalypse Now... This could be a long night! Checking out scenes from Fellowship of the Ring now. Holy poop! I can't believe the difference. Keep in mind my sub is still a little ol' Yamaha yst215, but it's getting the job done! I immediately noticed subtleties in the music and sound effects I'd never heard before!

Defshep
09-06-2006, 04:02 PM
Black Hawk Down (Superbit), Spiderman 2, Gladiator, The Incredibles...

Smokey
09-06-2006, 04:12 PM
Here is top ten movie list from Sound&Vision magazine for best visual and audio effects. And recommend a chapter from each movie to get your system’s heart pumping :)

1 Master and Commander
The Killer Demo: Chapter 4, “Under Attack.” Watching this first and most vivid of the sea battles on a big-screen HDTV with a good surround sound system will make your heart leap into your throat.

2 The Incredibles
The Killer Demo: Chapter 23, “100-Mile Dash.” This excellent chase scene — with Dash pursued across leagues of jungle by soldiers in flying, bladed hovercrafts — is filled with the kind of spectacular stunts that only animation can deliver.

3 The Return of the King
The Killer Demo: Go to Disc 2, Chapter 46, and be sure to turn up the volume until you can clearly hear King Theoden of Rohan riding across the front line of his cavalry, exhorting the troops in a death-embracing speech. Now leave the volume turned up for the visual and sonic onslaught to follow.

4 The Empire Strikes Back
The Killer Demo: Chapter 14, “Battle in the Snow.” We get our first look at the awesome Imperial walkers during this 10-minute spectacle as Luke’s speeder squadron hurtles over the snow toward their towering forms.

5 Spider-Man 2
The Killer Demo: Chapter 42, “The Train.” The editing of action, sound, and music kicks what could have been just another “fight atop a moving vehicle” sequence into high gear.

6 The Bourne Supremacy
The Killer Demo: Chapter 16, “On the Run.” Jason Bourne uses any means necessary, including cars, trains, and boats, to elude a dragnet. Lots of exciting surround effects trail Bourne as he throws an entire city into chaos.

7 Pirates of the Caribbean
The Killer Demo: While most people would probably choose Chapter 11, “The Battle,” with its pounding ship-to-ship cannonades, I’d recommend the passage in Chapter 3 where Depp first encounters Orlando Bloom.

8 The Matrix Revolutions
The Killer Demo: Chapter 17, “Breaching the Dome.” You’ll be taken to the edge of sensory overload as the machines invade Zion amidst a swirling hail of lead that erupts from every corner of the room.

9 Hero
The Killer Demo: If you’ve doubted how back surround speakers can enhance the home theater experience, check out Chapter 7 on a 6.1-channel system. Sound swirls around the room, perfectly tracking the action onscreen.

10 I, Robot
The Killer Demo: Chapter 18, “You Are Experiencing a Car Accident.” There’s fear-inducing bass as a pair of robot carriers encircle Will Smith’s car in a tunnel. The flurry of screeching wheels and crunching robot parts during his subsequent escape is surround sound mixing at its finest.

http://www.soundandvisionmag.com/features/998/looking-for-some-dvd-action.html

dingus
09-06-2006, 04:24 PM
"Last of the Mohicans". the seige on Fort William Henry is one scene that should not be missed.

paul_pci
09-06-2006, 04:54 PM
For imaging of surround effects, I rather like the opening minutes of SWAT which recreates, partially from real footage, that nasty, and now notorious, bank robbery in North Hollywood with the machine guns and all.

L.J.
09-06-2006, 06:56 PM
Man this list could go on and on. Smokey's list is on hit. I love using Hero (blue room & arrow scene) as a demo. M&C has some of the best surround also. House of Flying Daggers got some great stuff also.

Anyways, enjoy your new gear hommie.........Now about that sub :ciappa:

Defshep
09-07-2006, 01:09 AM
Thanks for the great suggestions, guys! I was just starting to play with my new toy when the wifey got home, sooo.... I get off work early today!

Sir Terrence the Terrible
09-07-2006, 05:37 AM
Hollow Man2
V for Vandetta
The Cave

All these three not only test the frequency response, but bass detail as well.

Kam
09-07-2006, 07:01 AM
Hollow Man2
V for Vandetta
The Cave

All these three not only test the frequency response, but bass detail as well.

T3, how could you forget to add The Cave will also test your mental ability to withstand one of the dumbest movies ever! :D i thought you hated it?

i'd also add True Lies - the harrier attacking the trucks/bridge scene.
The Abyss - the first alien encounter where it goes spinning around her.
Revenge of the Sith - that opening space battle scene, has tremendous bass in it too.

Resident Loser
09-07-2006, 08:44 AM
...no laser-totin', mechanical lizards?

jimHJJ(...can you sense the sarcasm?...)

Sir Terrence the Terrible
09-07-2006, 08:44 AM
T3, how could you forget to add The Cave will also test your mental ability to withstand one of the dumbest movies ever! :D i thought you hated it?

i'd also add True Lies - the harrier attacking the trucks/bridge scene.
The Abyss - the first alien encounter where it goes spinning around her.
Revenge of the Sith - that opening space battle scene, has tremendous bass in it too.

I did hate it, but let's face it, the soundtrack was absolutely stunning and filled with fine detail from the bottom to the top. The visuals were also very good. It just amazes me how many movies are technically flawless, but story line and acting is flawed to the hilt. What's up with that??

Groundbeef
09-07-2006, 09:28 AM
I would suggest "Cast Away". With no background music whatsoever, you can really concentrate on the sound of the ocean. Very peaceful and calm. If you really strain, I bet you can hear the sand crabs scurry over the beach.:ciappa:

Kam
09-07-2006, 09:45 AM
I did hate it, but let's face it, the soundtrack was absolutely stunning and filled with fine detail from the bottom to the top. The visuals were also very good. It just amazes me how many movies are technically flawless, but story line and acting is flawed to the hilt. What's up with that??

yes, absolutely attrocious movie, but that underwater photography sequence is better than anything short of the brown's surfing docs. beautiful shots. its prime material for an MST3000 voice over.

L.J.
09-07-2006, 10:06 AM
I saw The Cave on cable not too long ago and I thought it was OK :shocked:

Predictable, bad acting and all that stuff going on, but I think it could make it into my pull off the shelve once a year collection. Man, I'm just a sucka for monster flics.

SlumpBuster
09-07-2006, 06:57 PM
...no laser-totin', mechanical lizards?

jimHJJ(...can you sense the sarcasm?...)


I keep seeing the teaser preview for The Transformers at the movie theater. Man, that movie's gonna be tits! No... seriously, hate on Michael Bay if you must, but I'm gonna see that. July 4, 2007, I can't wait.

But, back on topic... I actually like movies with music performance as another way to give speakers a work out. Three of my faves:

Hedwig and the Angry Inch
Almost Famous
Walk the Line

All three use music to set tone and tell the story. Its a different kind of immersion the sound effects.

Kam
09-07-2006, 07:27 PM
I saw The Cave on cable not too long ago and I thought it was OK :shocked:

Predictable, bad acting and all that stuff going on, but I think it could make it into my pull off the shelve once a year collection. Man, I'm just a sucka for monster flics.

you should check out The Descent. (by the guy who did Dog Soldiers) it is FAR better than the cave. i reviewed it earlier. :) fun movie.

s dog
09-07-2006, 08:03 PM
Woohoo! Finally got my Sonys replaced with my new (well, sorta new) Klipsch Cinema 6 speakers. Got seven of 'em individually open-box for a steal awile back. Any suggestions on which flicks I should test drive 'em with? I feel like I finally got some real sound now! Final Destination 2 , highway pile up sounds real good

Defshep
09-08-2006, 02:07 AM
Threw in The Island last night. I know, not many Michael Bay fans here, but I do love this movie! The city chase scene sounded incredible! Also watched V for Vendetta (again), and it was like hearing it for the first time. I was rather maniacal at times yesterday, like a man possessed! I was tossing in dvds, playing the cool scenes, and yankin' 'em out just to put in another. Master and Commander, Empire Strikes Back, Matrix. Even picked up Pearl Harbor for eight bucks - just for the sound! I may have some more tweaking to do, as Empire sounded a little over-driven for my new babies. Maybe they require more in-depth settings from my Pioneer VSX-815 than the old Sonys. Overall, it's just silly how much fun I'm having!

Worf101
09-08-2006, 04:09 AM
Threw in The Island last night. I know, not many Michael Bay fans here, but I do love this movie! The city chase scene sounded incredible! Also watched V for Vendetta (again), and it was like hearing it for the first time. I was rather maniacal at times yesterday, like a man possessed! I was tossing in dvds, playing the cool scenes, and yankin' 'em out just to put in another. Master and Commander, Empire Strikes Back, Matrix. Even picked up Pearl Harbor for eight bucks - just for the sound! I may have some more tweaking to do, as Empire sounded a little over-driven for my new babies. Maybe they require more in-depth settings from my Pioneer VSX-815 than the old Sonys. Overall, it's just silly how much fun I'm having!
I know you're in sonic heaven and I'm very happy for you BUT, it's gettin' mighty slippery round here with all the drool you're slobberin' all over da place. Not to mention that chit eatin' grin on your face makes you look like that creepy bugger from the Enzyte commercials. Also put a towel over that wood, you're enjoyin' this too much...

LOL, it does my hear good to see/hear a regular "rediscover" his system though some choice additions... Enjoy and congrats...

Da Worfster

L.J.
09-08-2006, 07:46 AM
Threw in The Island last night. I know, not many Michael Bay fans here, but I do love this movie! The city chase scene sounded incredible! Also watched V for Vendetta (again), and it was like hearing it for the first time. I was rather maniacal at times yesterday, like a man possessed! I was tossing in dvds, playing the cool scenes, and yankin' 'em out just to put in another. Master and Commander, Empire Strikes Back, Matrix. Even picked up Pearl Harbor for eight bucks - just for the sound! I may have some more tweaking to do, as Empire sounded a little over-driven for my new babies. Maybe they require more in-depth settings from my Pioneer VSX-815 than the old Sonys. Overall, it's just silly how much fun I'm having!


Hmm......sounds like me when I upgraded from my Sony's to current Energy system. Not only was there a huge improvent for movie, but also music. Man I went through most of my CD collection that first week.

One of my first demo disc for my new setup was the T-rex scene on JP. Well there's a storm going on the background right. Well on my new system there was a STORM going on in the background. Huge difference. Glad your enjoying your new gear.

L.J.
09-08-2006, 07:53 AM
you should check out The Descent. (by the guy who did Dog Soldiers) it is FAR better than the cave. i reviewed it earlier. :) fun movie.

Thanks Kam. I wonder if it's at Bbuster. I'm not a member of any rental clubs, but may join netflix or something since BB never has any titles I wanna see.

Defshep
09-08-2006, 08:54 AM
I know you're in sonic heaven and I'm very happy for you BUT, it's gettin' mighty slippery round here with all the drool you're slobberin' all over da place. Not to mention that chit eatin' grin on your face makes you look like that creepy bugger from the Enzyte commercials. Also put a towel over that wood, you're enjoyin' this too much...

LOL, it does my hear good to see/hear a regular "rediscover" his system though some choice additions... Enjoy and congrats...

Da Worfster

God, that's hysterical! Sorry for the mess.

Defshep
09-08-2006, 08:59 AM
Hmm......sounds like me when I upgraded from my Sony's to current Energy system. Not only was there a huge improvent for movie, but also music. Man I went through most of my CD collection that first week.

One of my first demo disc for my new setup was the T-rex scene on JP. Well there's a storm going on the background right. Well on my new system there was a STORM going on in the background. Huge difference. Glad your enjoying your new gear.

L.J., it was you who encouraged me to move on from the Sonys with your helpful comparisons. Thanks again. And you were right about Master and Commander! I... gotta go... Must...play... Superbit Black Hawk Down..

Lensman
09-09-2006, 11:21 AM
Fellowship of the Ring: Moria to The Bridge of Khazad-dum sequence. From pinpoint localizing to moving 3D audio effects to ambient sounds, whispers and flickers of torches to cataclysmic crashes, low bass to high treble, it all gets a work out.

Imax Super Speedway: Test track sequence. If you don't get a bit just a bit nervous, your speakers need to be moved/recalibrated.

Defshep
09-09-2006, 01:43 PM
I believe that LOTR dvd / scene was actually the first one I played on the new setup. One of my absolute favorites.

superpanavision70mm
09-09-2006, 06:06 PM
Here are some of the best....although you may need to acquire a all-region DVD player in most cases to get the best of both worlds (good film, good performance).

HOUSE OF FLYING DAGGERS (Region 3 DTS Full-bit 1536kbps)
THE CELL (Region 3 DTS Full-bit 1536kbps)
MASTER AND COMMANDER (Region 1 DTS Collectors Edition)
ALI (Region 2 DTS)
THE PATRIOT (Region 1 Superbit)
BLACK HAWK DOWN (Region 1 or 3 Superbit)
LORD OF THE RINGS Ext. Editions (Region 1 DTS-ES)
BLADE (Region 3 Japan Import Full-bit rate DTS 1536kbps)
BLADE 2 (Region 1 DTS-ES)
GLADIATOR (Region 1 DTS-ES)
SPIDER-MAN 2 (Region 1 Superbit)
WINDTALKERS (Region 3 Full-bit rate DTS 1536kbps)
TOY STORY 1 and 2 (Region 1)
FINDING NEMO (Region 3 DTS-ES)
THE LION KING (region 3 DTS)
RONIN (Region 2 DTS)
WAR OF THE WORLDS (Region 1)
TERMINATOR 3 (Region 2 DTS)

Woochifer
09-09-2006, 11:29 PM
Fellowship of the Ring: Moria to The Bridge of Khazad-dum sequence. From pinpoint localizing to moving 3D audio effects to ambient sounds, whispers and flickers of torches to cataclysmic crashes, low bass to high treble, it all gets a work out.

Imax Super Speedway: Test track sequence. If you don't get a bit just a bit nervous, your speakers need to be moved/recalibrated.

IMAX DVDs are a great suggestion. On Sir Terrence's recommendation, I picked up a few of them and I've been floored with how well the surround mixing was done on those soundtracks. IMAX theaters are built to comparable dimensions so they use point source surround speaker clusters in the corners rather than speaker arrays that run along the side and back walls. This is more similar to how a home theater is arranged, and it seems that the soundtracks are mixed and optimized accordingly.

LOTR:FOTR is a well done soundtrack IF you're talking about the extended edition. The soundtrack on the theatrical cut DVD had the levels set way too high, and audibly distorted in some scenes.